Few things are more frustrating than opening your laptop after a system update—ready to get work done—only to discover that the touchpad has completely stopped working. The cursor won’t move, clicks don’t register, and suddenly your laptop feels almost unusable without an external mouse.
If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Touchpad issues after updates are surprisingly common, especially on Windows laptops. The good news is that most of these problems are software-related and fixable without professional repair.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain why your touchpad stops working after an update, walk you through step-by-step solutions, and help you prevent the issue from happening again in the future.
Why Laptop Updates Can Break the Touchpad
System updates are designed to improve performance, security, and compatibility. However, they can sometimes interfere with existing hardware drivers—especially touchpad drivers.
Here’s what typically happens:
The update replaces or disables your existing touchpad driver
The system installs a generic driver that lacks full functionality
Touchpad settings reset without warning
Compatibility issues arise between old drivers and new system files
Understanding this makes troubleshooting much easier.
Check If the Touchpad Is Accidentally Disabled
Before diving into complex fixes, start with the basics.
Some laptops allow the touchpad to be disabled using a keyboard shortcut. After updates, these settings can change unexpectedly.
What to do:
Look for a key with a touchpad icon (often F5, F7, F9, or F10)
Press Fn + that key
Wait a few seconds to see if the cursor responds
Also, check whether:
A USB mouse is connected (some systems disable the touchpad automatically)
Tablet mode is enabled on convertible laptops
This simple step solves the issue more often than people expect.
Restart the Laptop Properly (Not Just Sleep Mode)
It may sound obvious, but a proper restart matters—especially after updates.
Why this helps:
Completes pending update processes
Reloads drivers correctly
Clears temporary system conflicts
Make sure you choose Restart, not Shut Down, as some systems use fast startup that doesn’t fully reset drivers.
Verify Touchpad Settings in System Preferences
Updates sometimes reset input settings.
On Windows:
Open Settings
Go to Bluetooth & devices
Select Touchpad
Ensure the touchpad is turned On
Check sensitivity and gesture settings
If the touchpad toggle is missing, that usually indicates a driver issue—which we’ll cover next.
Update or Reinstall the Touchpad Driver
This is the most common and effective fix when a touchpad stops working after an update.
Step-by-step driver fix:
Right-click Start and open Device Manager
Expand Mice and other pointing devices
Look for your touchpad (Synaptics, ELAN, Precision, etc.)
Right-click it and choose Update driver
Select Search automatically for drivers
If updating doesn’t work:
Reinstall the driver:
Right-click the touchpad device
Choose Uninstall device
Restart your laptop
Windows will reinstall the driver automatically
This often restores full touchpad functionality.
Roll Back the Driver If the Issue Started Immediately After an Update
Sometimes the latest driver is the problem.
How to roll back:
Open Device Manager
Right-click your touchpad device
Select Properties
Go to the Driver tab
Click Roll Back Driver (if available)
Rolling back restores the previous working version and is especially helpful after major Windows updates.
Check for Optional Updates
Touchpad drivers are sometimes hidden under optional updates.
To check:
Open Settings
Go to Windows Update
Select Advanced options
Click Optional updates
Install any touchpad or input-related updates
Many users miss this step, even though it contains the correct manufacturer-specific drivers.
Update Laptop Manufacturer Drivers Manually
If Windows doesn’t find the right driver, go directly to your laptop manufacturer’s website.
Recommended approach:
Visit the official support page (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, etc.)
Enter your laptop model number
Download the latest touchpad driver
Install and restart
Manufacturer drivers are often more stable than generic ones provided by the operating system.
Check BIOS or UEFI Settings
In rare cases, updates affect firmware-level settings.
What to look for:
Restart the laptop and enter BIOS (usually F2, DEL, or ESC)
Navigate to Advanced or Internal Devices
Ensure the touchpad is Enabled
Save changes and exit
Only adjust settings if you’re comfortable—avoid changing unrelated options.
Disable Conflicting Mouse or Input Software
Some third-party tools can interfere with touchpad drivers after updates.
Examples include:
Old mouse utility software
Custom gesture tools
Remote access software
Uninstalling or updating these programs can resolve conflicts.
Test in Safe Mode
Safe Mode helps determine whether the problem is software-related.
If the touchpad works in Safe Mode:
A background app or driver is causing the issue
Focus on recent software installs or updates
If it doesn’t work:
The issue is likely driver-related or hardware-related
When It Might Be a Hardware Issue
While rare, updates can reveal existing hardware problems.
Warning signs include:
Touchpad not detected in Device Manager
Physical clicks not working
Touchpad failing even in BIOS
If you see these signs, professional repair may be necessary.
How to Prevent Touchpad Issues After Future Updates
Prevention saves time and stress.
Best practices:
Create a restore point before major updates
Keep manufacturer drivers backed up
Avoid beta or preview updates on work devices
Use official driver sources only
These steps significantly reduce update-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my touchpad stop working right after a Windows update?
Updates can replace or disable existing drivers, causing compatibility issues with your touchpad.
Can I fix a touchpad issue without using an external mouse?
Yes, use keyboard shortcuts like Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys to navigate settings and Device Manager.
Is it safe to uninstall a touchpad driver?
Yes. The system will reinstall a basic driver automatically after restart.
Why does my touchpad work in Safe Mode but not normally?
This indicates a software conflict or faulty driver loaded during normal startup.
Should I reset my laptop if nothing works?
A system reset should be a last resort. Try driver fixes and manufacturer updates first.
Final Thoughts:
A touchpad not working after a laptop update can feel like a serious problem, but in most cases, it’s temporary and software-related. With the right step-by-step approach—checking settings, fixing drivers, and using official updates—you can restore full functionality without costly repairs.
Updates are meant to improve your system, not break it. Understanding how to respond when things go wrong gives you control, confidence, and peace of mind.